CFO updates preliminary FY26 budget; board approves FY25 amendment adjusting operating forecast

Marshall Crutcher, Mehlville R‑IX’s chief financial officer, presented a preliminary update to the district’s fiscal‑year 2026 budget and a formal budget amendment for fiscal year 2025 at the board meeting on May 22.

FY26 preliminary update: Crutcher said a formula change increased projected revenue for FY26 by about $4.1 million. On the capital side he estimated tax‑levy revenue going into the capital fund at roughly $19 million; the CFO said the operating side remains targeted for breakeven in the FY26 preliminary numbers, with final capital spending to be refined as vendor invoice timing is confirmed.

FY25 amendment and rationale: The board approved a FY25 budget amendment that modestly increased the district’s forecast operating loss to about $1.1 million. Crutcher attributed most of the change to an administrative decision to accelerate computer purchases into FY25—about $572,000—because of anticipated price and tariff impacts; that timing reduced FY26 expense and increased FY25 expense. He noted historical patterns where final year‑end results often come in better than midyear forecasts, but cautioned final figures depend on the June tax payment and delinquent‑tax collections.

Tax collections and assumptions: The CFO said the district budgets with a conservative collection percentage; historically collections ranged around 97.13% and this year’s budgeted collection percentage was 96.72%. Small swings in collection percentage represent large dollar amounts for the district.

Next steps: Crutcher said the finance committee will meet before the next board meeting to finalize the FY26 proposal and that capital timing will be refined once vendor billing schedules are known. The board approved the FY25 amendment on a 6–0 vote.

Provenance: Excerpts supporting this article come from the CFO’s presentation and the board’s motion and recorded vote on the FY25 amendment.